Good morning, Mini experts.

I'm considering purchasing a 2010 John Cooper Works Clubman and will spend most of the day researching the existing threads within this forum.

However, I would like some direction on what to read and consider during my research.

Any advice or reading material from you concerning the 2010 JCW R55 would be appreciated!

Thanks in advance.

 

Check carefully abut the engine model. If it has the N14, walk away. 2010 is the year they changed from the N14 to the N18. The N14 had intake carbon buildup issues as well as the deadly timing chain rattle.

 

Thanks for the reply. I'll read up on the engines and get clarification from the Dealer.

According to this site, (http://new.minimania.com/MINI_model_designations), the model would have the N14 through the 2012 year model. That sound right to you?

"JCW MINI Cooper S Models:
(05/2010-06/2012) - Turbo N14B16A engine)
(09/2012-2013) - Turbo N18B16A engine)"

 

That's correct The N14 Prince engine was a total failure on the part of BMW. The 'death rattle' is the worst problem they have next to the carbon buildup that requires walnut shell blasting for a cure. If it has the N14 engine, walk away and keep looking. The very best years with the W11 block ended in '06, '07 for the R52.

 

R52 models were built through July 2008

 

Dang! You'd a'thought I'd catch that error before posting being a R52 guy. Thanks for the correction. No big deal here but mistakes like that to a germane question could cause unforeseen problems.

 

My 2010 JCW r55 has been great and reliable so far (80k). Nothing major has happened besides a coolant hose leak. Proper maintenance and the N14 engine will run fine. Its all about how you will care for the car.

 

100% agreed. Keep up on properly maintaining the N14 and it's a perfectly fine motor. We have 2 with the N14 and outside of the usual "this-is-a-BMW-product-and-they-can't-make-an-oil-seal-or-thermostat-to-save-their-life" problems, the actual motor has been just fine.